Vieira ready to leave Inter
Reuters - Friday 02 October 2009, 14:10
PARIS - Patrick Vieira could leave Inter Milan if he does not play more with the Italian champions, the France midfielder said on Friday.
Vieira, whose career has been plagued by injuries lately, has played 194 minutes for Inter in Serie A this season and was omitted by France coach Raymond Domenech for the squad for this month's World Cup qualifiers against the Faroe Islands and Austria.
"My situation seems to be complicated because I do not play. But I do not want to draw any conclusion before December," Vieira, who has 107 caps, told sports daily L'Equipe.
"If my situation does not evolve, I will make the necessary decisions."
Asked whether he would leave Inter during the winter transfer window, he said: "If nothing changes, yes."
Inter coach Jose Mourinho was in typically combative mood with journalists at his news conference before Saturday's game with Udinese, but was more understanding with Vieira.
"I'm never unhappy when I hear this type of thing from my player. Everyone wants to play and wants to play more," he said.
"I like this desire but I note Patrick has been on the pitch almost 300 minutes (in all competitions) since the start of the season and has played six games, three from the start."
France, who are second in European qualifying Group Seven, host the Faroe Islands on October 10 and Austria four days later in a bid to snatch at least a playoff spot for the 2010 World Cup.
They are four points adrift of Serbia with two games left.